About The Discussion Newspaper
The Discussion Newspaper is an independent publication under Speak Lead Africa, an institution founded and led by George Ouma, who serves as both the Founder and CEO. Established to strengthen dialogue, leadership, and informed citizenship across the continent, The Discussion Newspaper aims to spotlight the issues that matter most to African communities.
Guided by Makena Brandon, the Chief Editor, the newspaper is supported by a diverse and dedicated team of young professionals who bring expertise in journalism, youth mobilization, media production, communication, digital skills, leadership development, and community engagement. Each team member plays a unique role in shaping content that is thoughtful, accurate, and impactful.
At its core, The Discussion Newspaper is committed to telling African stories with depth and integrity—covering politics, governance, democracy, mental health, community development, social challenges, and youth empowerment. Through investigative reporting, opinion pieces, interviews, and community-focused features, the publication creates space for meaningful dialogue and encourages readers to think critically about the issues shaping our world.
With truth, dialogue, and understanding as its guiding values, The Discussion Newspaper strives to inspire informed conversations, amplify local and national voices, and contribute to a more engaged and enlightened society.
Readers can access our stories, features, and updates on our official website: THE DISCUSSION NEWSPAPER
Our Mission
We believe in the power of Truth, Dialogue, and Understanding to illuminate the stories that shape our world.
The Discussion was founded to create a platform where important conversations happen—where voices are heard and stories that need telling find their audience.
Our Values
1. Truth
Committed to accurate, unbiased reporting
2. Dialogue
Creating space for meaningful conversations
3.Understanding
Promoting empathy through storytelling
Meet The Team
Meet our team
Dedicated professionals driving our success
LEVIS OPI
Youth Engagement & Communications Officer - SPEAK LEAD AFRICA
Levis Opio is skilled in youth mobilization and high-level strategic communication. He supports organizational activities by engaging young people, coordinating outreach efforts, and ensuring clear, effective communication across different audiences. His work focuses on helping the organization connect with youth and communicate its message in a structured and impactful way.
MISS EUDIAH
Community Health & Wellness Officer - SPEAK LEAD AFRICA
Eudiah is a dedicated young woman from Kirinyaga County with a strong passion for health, wellness, and community support. She is currently studying Nutrition in Meru, where she continues to strengthen her knowledge in promoting healthier lifestyles. She has also completed training in counselling and basic human health, which has enhanced her understanding of people and deepened her commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Her Christian faith plays an important role in shaping her character and guiding her decisions. Eudiah strives to use her knowledge, compassion, and values to uplift others and contribute meaningfully to society.
VOLLUMER WEKESA
Media & Creative Production Officer - SPEAK LEAD AFRICA
Vollumer Wekesa is a dynamic professional journalist, filmmaker, and photographer with a growing footprint in the media industry. His creative journey includes significant contributions to the film Behind Every Degree, where he showcased his versatile talent as the executive director, editor, and actor. He further expanded his production experience as a production assistant in the movie Second Chance, strengthening his practical filmmaking skills and collaborative abilities. Beyond film, Vollumer works as the photographer for The Discussion and Speak Lead Africa, platforms dedicated to empowering youth voices, inspiring leadership, and promoting meaningful dialogue across communities. Passionate about visual storytelling, Vollumer continues to refine his craft in media and journalism. His ultimate goal is to rise as an internationally acclaimed movie director, creating impactful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide, while also thriving as a dedicated journalist.
ZEMAX OTIENO OWINO
Youth Engagement & Student Development Officer - SPEAK LEAD AFRICA
IZemax Awino Anushka is a driven and creative student with a strong passion for learning, exploration, and personal growth. Born and raised in Kenya, she enjoys listening to Afro-gospel music and exploring a variety of cuisines. As an intercessor, Zemax is committed to making a positive impact within her community, balancing her spiritual responsibilities with her academic and personal pursuits. Throughout her education, Zemax has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and effective time management, building key skills that support her development. She remains eager to continue learning, growing, and contributing positively wherever she is placed.
ELSY GAKII
Digital Skills Lead
Elsy Gakii, 22, is a young woman from Mbaranga in Karama Ward and a Diploma student in Information Communication Technology at Meru National Polytechnic. She is passionate about digital innovation, leadership, and creating spaces where young people can grow and thrive. Elsy’s journey is shaped by purpose, faith, and a desire to influence her generation positively. She is actively involved in prayer watches, youth fellowships, and empowerment platforms, experiences that have strengthened her character and sharpened her communication skills. Through these spaces, she has grown into a confident and thoughtful leader who leads with empathy, clarity, and a genuine heart for people. Spiritually, she is committed to encouraging others, building atmospheres of prayer, and supporting those around her through guidance and uplifting words. Her ministry involvement has taught her consistency, compassion, and humility in service. Professionally, Elsy is dedicated to excellence and continuous learning. As she advances in her ICT studies, she is building skills she hopes to use in creating digital solutions, supporting technology growth, and empowering youth through digital mentorship. She values teamwork, integrity, and accountability, and aims to use her skills and voice to inspire change and contribute meaningfully to her community. Elsy’s vision is to rise, serve, and empower her generation through leadership, faith, and innovation—impacting lives both spiritually and socially.
ISAAC ADANO OKOTU
Marketing & Outreach Lead -SPEAK LEAD AFRICA
Isacko Adano Okotu supports the growth and visibility of The Discussion Newspaper by helping expand its readership, strengthening community outreach, and promoting the publication across youth networks and leadership platforms. With experience in youth empowerment and organisational leadership, he contributes to building strategic connections, coordinating engagement activities, and ensuring the newspaper reaches diverse audiences across Kenya and beyond.
VINCENT OCHIEMG AYIETA
Media Production Assistant – The Discussion Newspaper - SPEAK LEAD AFRICA
Vincent Ochieng Ayieta is a media student at Meru National Polytechnic with a growing passion for journalism, storytelling, and digital media. After learning about The Discussion Newspaper through a fellow media student, he joined the Media Team to support the production of visual and editorial content. Working under the leadership of Vollumer Wekesa, the Media Team Lead, Vincent contributes to photography, videography, interviews, content preparation, and other media-related assignments. His developing skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning make him a valuable addition to the team’s creative and production efforts.
DAVID NJOROGE
Head of Creative Writing & Story Development - THE DISCUSSION NEWSPAPER
David Njoroge is the founder of Apex Films Company and the chief director behind the production Behind Every Degree. He is a dedicated writer whose growing body of work includes films, poems, and reflective articles that explore a wide range of human experiences. His creative approach blends intellect, emotion, and storytelling, making his work both expressive and thought-provoking. David draws inspiration from philosophy, science, medicine, and poetry, weaving these influences into narratives that encourage deeper thinking and genuine connection. His ability to merge artistic expression with intellectual depth has shaped his distinctive voice within Kenya’s emerging film and literary space. Through every script, poem, and production, David remains committed to advancing authentic African storytelling and using creativity as a tool for expression, reflection, and transformation.
HILDAH PAUL GATWIRI
Spiritual Growth & Mentorship Lead - SPEAK LEAD AFRICA
Hildah Gatwiri Paul, 21, is a young emerging leader from Kibirichia, Meru County. She is currently pursuing a Diploma in ICT at Meru National Polytechnic and is passionate about cultivating strong leadership values among young people. Hildah believes in leadership rooted in service, character, and spiritual depth. Her leadership journey has been shaped by her ministry work as an intercessor, where she has developed discipline, responsibility, and a commitment to supporting others. She is recognised for her humility, compassion, and dedication to personal and spiritual growth. Hildah’s ability to inspire unity and connect with people highlights her natural leadership qualities. Focused on creating meaningful impact, Hildah aspires to become a transformational leader who empowers her generation to pursue purpose, embrace growth, and lead with integrity. She believes leadership begins with the heart and seeks to influence change through prayer, mentorship, and consistent excellence.
Partners and references
Meet All Our Partners And See All Our Publications
" Behind every statistic is a life, and behind every story is a lesson the world cannot afford to ignore. At The Discussion, we believe in the power of truth, dialogue, and understanding to illuminate the stories that matter most.".
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